THE new Deputy Chief Constable of North Yorkshire has been confirmed.

Phil Cain has served as Assistant Chief Constable since February 2017, and was formerly Commander for York and Selby from 2013 to 2016.

Mr Cain, 48, joined the force in 2001 after 13 years with the RAF, and has served at every rank in North Yorkshire Police.

The promotion decision was made by Chief Constable Lisa Winward last week, following an assessment process which involved the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, City of York Council, North Yorkshire County Council, Harrogate Borough Council, the North Yorkshire Youth Commission, York CVC, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, UNISON, the Police Federation, the Black Police Association and the Superintendents’ Association.

Chief Constable Lisa Winward said: "It is testimony to Phil’s outstanding ability that he showed himself to be, without doubt, the right man for the job.

"He is a highly experienced officer, with a thoughtful and collaborative style of working, who is very well respected both inside and outside the Force. Phil has already made a strong contribution to the Chief Officer Team in the ACC role, and will be able to hit the ground running as Deputy. I am looking forward to working closely Phil on North Yorkshire Police’s Transform 2020 programme to enhance the service we provide to the public, improve efficiency across the Force, and support our colleagues in the challenging job of keeping people safe."

Mr Cain said: "I grew up in North Yorkshire, and I have spent my policing career in North Yorkshire, so this area means a great deal to me. I am very proud to be able to serve the community and the Force as Deputy Chief Constable."

Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan said: "Phil Cain is an excellent appointment as Deputy Chief Constable and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role. He has an excellent commitment to developing North Yorkshire Police and is an outstanding public servant. I congratulate him on being successful in what I know has been a rigorous national selection process."